What we're about
"Self-realization is the knowing – in body, mind, and soul – that we are one with the omnipresence of God; that we do not have to pray that it come to us, that we are not merely near it at all times, but that God’s omnipresence is our omnipresence; that we are just as much a part of Him now as we ever will be. All we have to do is improve our knowing.”
--Paramahansa Yogananda
WELCOME!
Thank you very much for your interest in this Meetup group. We encourage you to read the following information as it will give you an idea of what we are all about. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to send us a message.
In divine friendship,
Bruce and Dani
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About the Ottawa Meditation Circle of SRF
Our meditation circle is composed of devoted members and friends of Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF), a worldwide fellowship dedicated to the discovery of peace, joy and prosperity in everyday life through communion with God.
Since 1920, Self-Realization Fellowship has been dedicated to carrying on the spiritual and humanitarian work of its founder, Paramahansa Yogananda, widely revered as the father of Yoga in the West.
Paramahansa Yogananda founded SRF to make available the universal teachings of Kriya Yoga, a sacred spiritual science originating millenniums ago in India.
These yoga methods quiet body and mind, and make it possible to withdraw one's energy and attention from the usual turbulence of thoughts, emotions, and sensory perceptions. In the clarity of that inner stillness, one comes to experience a deepening interior peace and awareness of the divinity within ourselves.
For more information on the life and teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, please visit the official website of Self-Realization Fellowship.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I want to learn more about Paramahansa Yogananda and his teachings. Where do I start?
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Click here for a brief overview of Paramahansa Yogananda’s life.
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As an introduction to Paramahansa Yogananda's teachings, we suggest that you read the spiritual classic, Autobiography of a Yogi (available for purchase at our services for $10)
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What meditation techniques do we practice?
- We practice the yoga techniques of meditation, concentration, and energization taught by Paramahansa Yogananda – including Kriya Yoga, a sacred spiritual science originating millenniums ago in India.
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Do we teach Yogananda's techniques during our meditation services?
- Paramahansa Yogananda's meditation techniques are not reviewed during our meditation services. Step-by-step instructions in the techniques that he taught are given through the SRF Lessons for home-study.
(Also see next question)
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What exactly are the SRF lessons for home study?
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In his talks and writings printed in his many acclaimed books for the public, Paramahansa Yogananda offers a wealth of practical guidance for spiritual living — how to live joyfully and successfully amidst the unceasing challenges and opportunities in this world of change. The Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons are for those who want to learn to convert that inspiration into a daily spiritual practice.
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The Lessons are unique among Paramahansa Yogananda’s published works, in that they give his step-by-step instructions in the yoga techniques of meditation, concentration, and energization that he taught, including Kriya Yoga.
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Click here for more information about the SRF Lessons for Home Study.
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Who can participate in our meditations?
- All our meditation services are open to the public and we warmly welcome all sincere seekers.
- You do not need any background in meditation to attend our services, although it is helpful to study the meditation techniques provided the SRF Lessons.
- If no techniques are known, silently call on God in the language of your heart.
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Is there a charge for our meditation services?
- There is no charge for attending our services although there is a donation box for those who may wish to help cover our operating expenses.
Upcoming events (4+)
Hello,
- Thank you for your interest in this meditation service. We encourage you to read the following information as it will give you an idea of what to expect if you decide to attend. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to send us a message. Sincerely, Bruce and Dani.
- Our website
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACCESS:
- Pedestrian access across the Starbucks, through the Knox Presbyterian Church's garden.
- Parking: street parking or City Hall underground parking ($2 after 6pm on weekdays and all day on weekends)
- Plan to arrive early, doors close 5 minutes before the service
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRIEF INTRODUCTION:
- Our meditation circle follows the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, widely revered as the father of Yoga in the West.
- Paramahansa Yogananda founded Self-Realization Fellowship in 1920 to make available the universal teachings of Kriya Yoga, a sacred spiritual science originating millenniums ago in India.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT MEDITATION TECHNIQUES DO WE PRACTICE?
- We practice the yoga techniques of meditation, concentration, and energization taught by Paramahansa Yogananda – including Kriya Yoga, a sacred spiritual science originating millenniums ago in India.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DO WE TEACH YOGANANDA'S TECHNIQUES DURING OUR MEDITATION SERVICES?
- Paramahansa Yogananda's meditation techniques are not reviewed during our meditation services. Step-by-step instructions in the techniques that he taught are given through the SRF Lessons for home-study.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN OUR MEDITATIONS?
- All our meditation services are open to the public and we warmly welcome all sincere seekers.
- You do not need any background in meditation to attend our services, although it is helpful to study the meditation techniques provided the SRF Lessons for home-study.
- If no techniques are known, silently call on God in the language of your heart.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IS THERE A CHARGE FOR THE MEDITATION SERVICE?
- There is no charge for attending our services although there is a donation box for those who may wish to help cover our operating expenses.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARE WE AFFILIATED WITH KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH?
- We are not affiliated with the Knox Presbyterian Church but we are grateful for their hospitality.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DETAILED AGENDA:
The meditation service includes periods of prayer, chanting and silent meditation. The agenda is as follows:
- Opening Prayer
- Service Reading: Short devotional reading from Paramahansa Yogananda’s writings or SRF books.
- Devotional Chanting
- Meditation
- Closing chant
- Healing Service: At the close of the Meditation Service, time is spent in praying for those who are in need of healing, and for world peace.
- Closing Prayer
- Dani C.
- Bruce M.
- Natalia M
- 3 attendees
Note for Saturday services: all are welcome to join us for a coffee/tea after the service. Bring a thermos with your favorite drink or purchase one in a local coffee shop.
Hello,
- Thank you for your interest in this meditation service. We encourage you to read the following information as it will give you an idea of what to expect if you decide to attend. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to send us a message. Sincerely, Bruce and Dani.
- Our website
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACCESS:
- Pedestrian access across the Starbucks, through the Knox Presbyterian Church's garden.
- Plan to arrive early, doors close 5 minutes before the service
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRIEF INTRODUCTION:
- Our meditation circle follows the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, widely revered as the father of Yoga in the West.
- Paramahansa Yogananda founded Self-Realization Fellowship in 1920 to make available the universal teachings of Kriya Yoga, a sacred spiritual science originating millenniums ago in India.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT MEDITATION TECHNIQUES DO WE PRACTICE?
- We practice the yoga techniques of meditation, concentration, and energization taught by Paramahansa Yogananda – including Kriya Yoga, a sacred spiritual science originating millenniums ago in India.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DO WE TEACH YOGANANDA'S TECHNIQUES DURING OUR MEDITATION SERVICES?
- Paramahansa Yogananda's meditation techniques are not reviewed during our meditation services. Step-by-step instructions in the techniques that he taught are given through the SRF Lessons for home-study.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN OUR MEDITATIONS?
- All our meditation services are open to the public and we warmly welcome all sincere seekers.
- You do not need any background in meditation to attend our services, although it is helpful to study the meditation techniques provided the SRF Lessons.
- If no techniques are known, silently call on God in the language of your heart.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IS THERE A CHARGE FOR THE MEDITATION SERVICE?
- There is no charge for attending our services although there is a donation box for those who may wish to help cover our operating expenses.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARE WE AFFILIATED WITH KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH?
- We are not affiliated with the Knox Presbyterian Church but we are grateful for their hospitality.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DETAILED AGENDA:
The meditation service includes periods of prayer, chanting and silent meditation. The agenda is as follows:
- Opening Prayer
- Service Reading: Short devotional reading from Paramahansa Yogananda’s writings or SRF books.
- Devotional Chanting
- Meditation
- Closing chant
- Healing Service: At the close of the Meditation Service, time is spent in praying for those who are in need of healing, and for world peace.
- Closing Prayer
- Dani C.
- Bruce M.
- 2 attendees
Hello,
- Thank you for your interest in this Kirtan service. We encourage you to read the following information as it will give you an idea of what to expect if you decide to attend. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to send us a message. Sincerely, Bruce and Dani.
- Our website
----------------------------------------------------
ABOUT THIS EVENT
The SRF World Convocation is a week of spiritual renewal and recharging. It is a full program of meditations and classes on Paramahansa Yogananda's teachings. This year, Convocation will be offered online and free of charge.
For the first time in our Circle's history, we will host a livestream of a Convocation event so that we may experience it together and in-person. We will join the monks' kirtan (see below) group for an hour and a half of devotional chanting and meditation. It will be like having a mini-convocation right here in our city!
For more information about the SRF World Convocation, visit: https://yogananda.org/srf-world-convocation-overview
------------------------------------------------------
BRIEF INTRODUCTION:
- Our meditation circle follows the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, widely revered as the father of Yoga in the West.
- Paramahansa Yogananda founded Self-Realization Fellowship in 1920 to make available the universal teachings of Kriya Yoga, a sacred spiritual science originating millenniums ago in India.
-----------------------------------------------
ABOUT KIRTAN:
Chant traditions from many cultures are being recognized today not only for their intrinsic beauty but also for their spiritual power. Paramahansa Yogananda was a pioneer in introducing India's art of devotional chanting to the West. In the Preface to his book Cosmic Chants, written in the 1930s, he explains how "spiritualized" chants help to quiet and focus the mind in preparation for meditation.
To learn about the power of Kirtan, visit:
https://yogananda.org/the-divine-art-of-kirtan
-----------------------------------------------
WHAT MEDITATION TECHNIQUES DO WE PRACTICE?
- We practice the yoga techniques of meditation, concentration, and energization taught by Paramahansa Yogananda – including Kriya Yoga, a sacred spiritual science originating millenniums ago in India.
------------------------------------------
DO WE TEACH YOGANANDA'S TECHNIQUES DURING OUR MEDITATION SERVICES?
- Paramahansa Yogananda's meditation techniques are not reviewed during our meditation services. Step-by-step instructions in the techniques that he taught are given through the SRF Lessons for home-study.
-----------------------------------------
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN OUR MEDITATIONS?
- All our meditation services are open to the public and we warmly welcome all sincere seekers.
- You do not need any background in meditation to attend our services, although it is helpful to study the meditation techniques provided the SRF Lessons for home-study.
- If no techniques are known, silently call on God in the language of your heart.
-----------------------------------------
IS THERE A CHARGE FOR THE MEDITATION SERVICE?
- There is no charge for attending our services although there is a donation box for those who may wish to help cover our operating expenses.
-------------------------------------
ARE WE AFFILIATED WITH KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH?
- We are not affiliated with the Knox Presbyterian Church but we are grateful for their hospitality.
-------------------------------------
ACCESS:
- Pedestrian access across the Starbucks, through the Knox Presbyterian Church's garden.
- Parking: street parking or City Hall underground parking ($2 after 6pm on weekdays and all day on weekends)
- Plan to arrive early, doors close 5 minutes before the service
- Dani C.
- Bruce M.
- 2 attendees
Hello,
- Thank you for your interest in this meditation service. We encourage you to read the following information as it will give you an idea of what to expect if you decide to attend. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to send us a message. Sincerely, Bruce and Dani.
- Our website
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACCESS:
- Pedestrian access across the Starbucks, through the Knox Presbyterian Church's garden.
- Parking: street parking or City Hall underground parking ($2 after 6pm on weekdays and all day on weekends)
- Plan to arrive early, doors close 5 minutes before the service
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRIEF INTRODUCTION:
- Our meditation circle follows the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, widely revered as the father of Yoga in the West.
- Paramahansa Yogananda founded Self-Realization Fellowship in 1920 to make available the universal teachings of Kriya Yoga, a sacred spiritual science originating millenniums ago in India.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT MEDITATION TECHNIQUES DO WE PRACTICE?
- We practice the yoga techniques of meditation, concentration, and energization taught by Paramahansa Yogananda – including Kriya Yoga, a sacred spiritual science originating millenniums ago in India.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DO WE TEACH YOGANANDA'S TECHNIQUES DURING OUR MEDITATION SERVICES?
- Paramahansa Yogananda's meditation techniques are not reviewed during our meditation services. Step-by-step instructions in the techniques that he taught are given through the SRF Lessons for home-study.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN OUR MEDITATIONS?
- All our meditation services are open to the public and we warmly welcome all sincere seekers.
- You do not need any background in meditation to attend our services, although it is helpful to study the meditation techniques provided the SRF Lessons for home-study.
- If no techniques are known, silently call on God in the language of your heart.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IS THERE A CHARGE FOR THE MEDITATION SERVICE?
- There is no charge for attending our services although there is a donation box for those who may wish to help cover our operating expenses.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARE WE AFFILIATED WITH KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH?
- We are not affiliated with the Knox Presbyterian Church but we are grateful for their hospitality.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DETAILED AGENDA:
The meditation service includes periods of prayer, chanting and silent meditation. The agenda is as follows:
- Opening Prayer
- Service Reading: Short devotional reading from Paramahansa Yogananda’s writings or SRF books.
- Devotional Chanting
- Meditation
- Closing chant
- Healing Service: At the close of the Meditation Service, time is spent in praying for those who are in need of healing, and for world peace.
- Closing Prayer
- Dani C.
- Bruce M.
- 2 attendees
Past events (182)
- Bruce M.
- Dani C.
- Margaret H.
- 3 attendees
